Freddy Peralta Begins Mets Spring Training Acclimation

Ace pitcher throws first bullpen session with new team's coaching staff and catcher

Feb. 9, 2026 at 8:15pm

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Freddy Peralta, the Mets' new ace right-handed pitcher, threw his first bullpen session of spring training on Monday, working with his new primary catcher Francisco Alvarez and under the watch of the team's new pitching coach Justin Willard. Peralta, who was traded from the Brewers in January, said he has been impressed by the amount of information the Mets' coaching staff has provided him about his own pitching repertoire and performance. The Mets' rotation also includes Nolan McLean, Sean Manaea, Clay Holmes, David Peterson, and Kodai Senga.

Why it matters

Peralta's successful acclimation to the Mets will be crucial for the team's pitching staff and their hopes of contending in the NL East. As one of the top pitchers in the National League, Peralta's integration into the Mets' system and developing chemistry with his new catcher and coaching staff will be closely watched this spring.

The details

In his first bullpen session with the Mets, Peralta worked closely with catcher Francisco Alvarez and new pitching coach Justin Willard. Peralta said he has been impressed by the amount of detailed information the Mets' staff has provided him about his own pitching, including the progression of his slider over the past four seasons. The Mets' approach has been to communicate and collaborate with Peralta, rather than try to drastically change his approach. Peralta expects a smooth transition working primarily with Alvarez, who he says has 'a lot of energy' and 'a lot of potential'.

  • Peralta threw his first bullpen session of spring training on Monday, February 9, 2026.
  • Peralta was traded from the Brewers to the Mets on January 21, 2026.

The players

Freddy Peralta

An ace right-handed pitcher who was traded from the Brewers to the Mets in January 2026. He finished 5th in NL Cy Young voting last season after posting a 2.70 ERA in 33 starts for the Brewers.

Francisco Alvarez

The Mets' top catcher, who Peralta expects to develop a strong working relationship with this spring.

Justin Willard

The Mets' new pitching coach, who is overseeing Peralta's acclimation to the team.

Tobias Myers

A pitcher who was traded from the Brewers to the Mets along with Peralta.

Devin Williams

A former Brewers teammate of Peralta's.

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What they’re saying

“When I got over here, they knew all my stuff and a lot of things that I got surprised by, but that's good.”

— Freddy Peralta, Mets Pitcher

“It's been very comfortable, because they have been asking me how I do things and how I do my stuff, what I have been doing and we just communicate all that. We have been working together. It's not like, 'We have this new idea, and I think you can do this now.' It's been very nice and easy. I feel happy about that because they are not trying to change somebody. They are just trying to communicate and it will help to keep me doing what I have been doing.”

— Freddy Peralta, Mets Pitcher

“[Alvarez] has got a lot of energy, a lot of potential and I saw that before I became his teammate and I am very excited to see what we're going to accomplish together.”

— Freddy Peralta, Mets Pitcher

What’s next

Peralta expects to continue building chemistry with catcher Francisco Alvarez and the Mets' coaching staff throughout the remainder of spring training.

The takeaway

Peralta's smooth acclimation to the Mets will be crucial for the team's pitching staff and their hopes of contending in the NL East. The Mets' collaborative approach with Peralta suggests they are committed to maximizing his talents rather than trying to drastically change his approach.